OBSTRUCTS Synonyms: 117 Similar and Opposite Words

obstructs

verb

present tense third-person singular of obstruct

as in impedes

to create difficulty for the work or activity of this would go much faster if you would stop obstructing me with your constant interruptions

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as in blocks

to prevent passage through by filling with something at the moment the city's only tunnel between downtown and the airport is obstructed by an overturned tanker truck

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Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of obstructs Don't tail large vehicles closely - Trucks or buses can kick up a water spray that obstructs visibility. — Nc Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 13 July 2026 Anatasia steals a truck and obstructs their path, sacrificing herself to a bleak future, all in the name of love. — Hunter Ingram, Variety, 10 July 2026 But the data shows the current system obstructs even valid complaints. — Christie Thompson, NPR, 17 June 2026 White insisted on the extra room to ensure that nothing obstructs the White House TV shot. — Sean Gregory, Time, 26 May 2026 The intense, uncomfortable light that shines directly at the viewer and obstructs their eyesight. — Janet Loehrke, USA Today, 6 May 2026 The opportunities for science abound, such as the spectacular sight of a solar eclipse when the moon fully obstructs the sun from view. — Joseph Howlett, Scientific American, 4 Apr. 2026 This constitutes a blatant violation of international law and international humanitarian law, undermines the inalienable right of the Palestinian people to self-determination, and obstructs the establishment of their independent sovereign state . — CBS News, 16 Feb. 2026 Wave action and fragile ice obstructs rescue potential. — Sarah Moore, Freep.com, 4 Feb. 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for obstructs

Verb

The sheriff said vehicles parked in a way that impedes traffic will be towed at the owner's expense.

— Jennifer McRae, CBS News, 10 Sep. 2026
Typically, PAs are putting in 60-hour workweeks, and their duties can include everything from running errands to cleaning up messes to managing the general public when filming takes place in a location and impedes foot or car traffic.

— Nina Metz, Chicago Tribune, 7 Aug. 2026

Definition of impedes

Verb

Local artwork fills the walls of each room and building, while large-scale sculptures and art installations are rotated seasonally across the property.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 16 Oct. 2026
The printer automatically fills the tank and replenishes it as material is consumed during printing.

— Michael Lydick, PC Magazine, 14 Oct. 2026

Definition of fills

Verb

But the inability a company to buy ads hampers a campaign’s visibility and removes a key tool that studios use to spread the word about a movie currently in theaters.

— Steven Zeitchik, HollywoodReporter, 17 Oct. 2026
This lushness is truly remarkable on an island known for its volcanic soil, which traditionally hampers plant growth.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Oct. 2026

Definition of hampers

Verb

Or from locking up Mick Cronin through 2030, even though UCLA’s prickly basketball coach embarrasses the university annually and hasn’t reached a Sweet 16 since 2023.

— Mirjam Swanson, Los Angeles Times, 1 Sep. 2026
Now the technology embarrasses an umpire even more than a player could, and what’s the recourse?

— Jim Alexander, Oc Register, 4 Apr. 2026

Definition of embarrasses

Browse Nearby Words

obstructions

obstructs

obtain

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Style

“Obstructs.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/obstructs. Accessed 22 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of obstructs

verb

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